Are all after market XK8 aluminum thermostat housings Equal?
Prices seem to range from $39.00 to $90.00 US. Any best brand recommendations?
Also, does anyone make an aluminum cross over pipe?

 

I just purchased the cheapest one on eBay two years ago and holding up fine. I also replaced the bolts with Torx screws. It made it much easier to reassemble. Not sure about the crossover pipe.

 

Thanks MiragePro, they all look the same. Just don't want to replace plastic with a cheap piece of junk if you know what I mean.
Jack

 

The aluminium replacement is only for the 4.0L

 

And there is only a plastic cross pipe, which is OEM.

 

Michaelh, are there no problems with the 4.2 housing like the ones on the 4.0. I guess otherwise someone would be making them.

Jack

 

AFAIK, they're made from the same biodegradable stuff, so no reason to expect they'll last any longer. Consolation is the crossover is part of the assembly:




Haven't read much here re replacements - possibly because the 4.2s are up to 7 years or so younger, and there's no alternative.

Lifespan on a par with the hoses that connect to them, I guess.

 

Thanks for the drawing michaelh. Looks like it would be easier to get to the rear bolts on the 4.2. My Jag has just over 30000 miles on it so hopefully it's miles and not years that gets them.

 

if you have a 4.0 just put the plastic one on it lasts 15 years. or at least get o-rings from the dealer and don’t use the pos cardboard gaskets the aluminum one comes with

 

Mine is 2005 4.2. If they last 15 yrs mine is past due. Again hopefuly Miles takes more of a toll on them than years. If so maybe I still have a while before it needs changing.

 

Got my Ebay sourced housing today. The packaging was first rate and the castings appear to be quality products. Lets hope the fitment is as good.